Everything You Need To Know About The New Sun City

Over the past five years, Sun City has undergone a major facelift. In fact, over R1 billion was spent ensuring the complex was restored to its former glory – and what an incredible change it’s made. Sun City has been the go-to destination within the Pilanesberg since opening in December 1979 and with the new changes, Sun City cements itself as one of the most exciting tourist destinations in South Africa.

I was lucky to be one of the first people in the country to experience the new Sun City – and I was certainly impressed with all the changes that were made. The new Sun Central has been cleaned up on the inside – and is really sleek and sophisticated. Sun Central also boasts a South African Hall of Fame honouring South Africa’s outstanding sportspeople and performing artists. The original entertainment centre was built at a cost of R30-million and inaugurated on 24 July 1981 by Frank Sinatra.

The conferencing centre was definitely one of my highlights. Not only were the conference rooms kitted out, but there is an upmarket, sophisticated and simplistic vibe to it. If you ever find yourself there, make sure you try their coffee bar ‘Stir’.

The Cabanas also got a major revamp and, honestly, it was the hotel that needed it the most. Now, the hotel has a youthful, colourful vibe to it. The rooms are still simple, but they’re more comfortable and modern than ever before.

Another hotel that got a revamp was Sun City’s main hotel – now called SoHo. The hotel mirrors the renowned Soho destinations located in London and New York which are known for their eclectic vibe and non-stop action. Not only has the casino moved there, but some of the restaurants are now open all the time and it’s the home of Sun City’s brand new nightclub ‘Encore’ which, in my opinion, is the most beautiful club in South Africa. SoHo is also the home of Vibes – an awesome new entertainment centre which has some old video games, good food, comedy nights, karaoke and so much more. It is also home to the glamorous new Legends restaurant and the revamped Sun Prive and Prive Salon.

Not much has changed at the Casades besides the addition of The Luma Bar and Lounge and the new Bocado Mediterranean restaurant which replaces the Santorini restaurant. At The Palace, a new VIP gaming experience has been added and has an upgraded breakfast buffet. The Grill Room has also been upgraded with a new lakeside terrace. A stylish new spa will be completed by 2017.

Entertainment wise, there’s an awesome new addition with an epic outdoor event area called the Sun Park which is capable of hosting a range of lifestyle events, music festivals and corporate launches. Adrenalin seekers will love Adrenalin Extreme, the new adventure hub, while the entire family can enjoy the two brand new rides at the Valley of Waves water park, Noble’s Descent and Ovango. Adventure hub comprises of a range of outdoor activities including Drift Trikes, Hovercrafts, the Accelerator and the Grizzly 4×4 Quad Challenge. For those who would prefer to observe the action, the new The Brew Monkey microbrewery-themed gastro pub and the Food Factory fresh food eatery is just the place to do this.

Lastly, there are more action-packed watersports at Waterworld. The venue now offers the new Kazooma Raceway and Rock Venture Mini Golf with its thrilling Grand-Prix-styled racing go-karts and an adventure golf course that will appeal to all ages.

Michael Farr, Group General Manager for Brand and Communications, says: “Sun City has remained popular since its opening, but we felt it needed a complete overhaul and took the decision to invest over a billion Rand to do just that. We’ve put this investment into making the resort even more attractive to families, gamblers, convention visitors and a host of new, niche-tourists such as adrenalin-seekers, eco-tourists and millennials.” He adds that “We are confident that with this massive refurb and upgrade, Sun City will not only retain its status as South Africa’s favourite leisure destination, but will also recapture its place as the premier convention venue in the country.”

Sun City has done a remarkable upgrade and it’s definitely a place both local and international visitors will enjoy. The resort has always been an incredible place to visit and if you haven’t been here since the renovation, make a plan to get here! It’ll blow you away!